Summer in Tasmania: Top Road Trips for Scenic Adventures

Tasmania in summer is a road trip heaven. It has long daylight periods, pleasant weather conditions, and beautiful scenery in a wide range; hence, it is the best season to see the island on wheels. Whether it is a turquoise beach and rugged mountains or a small town and some concealed waterfalls, summer in Tasmania calls out to the traveler to slow down, take a detour, and enjoy every moment they have.

A road trip in Tasmania is one of the best methods of exploring the wild nature of the island, its rich culture, and delicious food scene, whether you have a few days or a couple of weeks.

Tasmania: The Ideal Road Trip Destination.

Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia, but what it lacks in terms of size, it compensates with diversity. The Hobart to Launceston drive takes less than three hours but is accompanied by farmlands distilleries and heritage towns. This small size translates to the fact that you can do much without spending all your time at the wheel.

Freedom is what is special in the road trips in Tasmania. There is a shortage of public  transport, and guided tours usually follow a specific route. You can pull up at a farm gate to have fresh cherries, spend more time at a remote beach, or make an impromptu visit to a vineyard that you had not originally planned to visit. Summer has long days, and you even have more time to have a slow look around.

To make the most of your Tasmanian road trip, download the Take a Local app and discover authentic stops, local experiences, and hidden gems along your journey.

When to Travel and Length of Stay.

The best season to have road trips in Tasmania is all year round; however, if we had to pick one, the best season is the summer (December-February). The temperatures vary between 17℃ and 23℃, and this ensures it is ideal for both the coastal tours and the inland tours. It is also party time – the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is finished at the end of the month of December and the Taste of Summer Festival shows off Tasmania’s amazing food, drink and live music. 

How much time should you plan?

1. 3-5 days: Stick to an area, such as Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula, or the East Coast.
2. 7-10 days: Do a Hobart-to-Launceston loop, including major highlights.
3. 2+ weeks: You have all the time to see it all – Bruny Island, rugged West Coast, and Cradle Mountain, just to name but a few.

The more time you spend, the more you will find in Tasmania, the gems concealed in the details and discoveries of a slower nature.

Plan Your Travel: Important Destinations.

Plan your Tasmanian adventure effortlessly with the Take a Local app. Explore key destinations and take a guided tour at your own pace.

Start in Hobart

Hobart is the ideal entry point to a Tasmanian summer. Hike Mount Wellington to see the city and ocean, and visit Salamanca Market on a Saturday and immerse oneself in modern art at MONA. The food industry is very dynamic in the city, and fresh seafood and farm-to-table restaurants are the starting points of the rest of your visit.

South-East to Port Arthur

Travel along the Tasman Peninsula to get spectacular seashores. On the road, visit the natural marvels such as Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch. Spend one day in the Port Arthur Historic Site, the most important convict place in Tasmania, and in summer, the ruins are cool to walk around and entertaining to explore.

East Coast Highlights

The East Coast is an essential part of any road trip in Tasmania in summertime.

1. Freycinet National Park: Walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout, one of the most recognisable Australian views.
2. Bicheno: the home of little penguins, blowhole, and an easy lifestyle.
3. Bay of Fires: White sand beaches and orange-lichen-covered rocks that one wants to take pictures of.

There are also the vineyards and farm shops scattered throughout the East Coast, and these are ideal summer picnic spots by the sea.

Inland to Launceston

On the coast, take the road inland through farmlands and woods. Cataract Gorge is one of the attractions in Launceston, where it is possible to swim, picnic, or be taken on a chairlift. The cafes and wineries in the city make it a paradise for a foodie.

Diversion to Cradle Mountain or Diversion to the South.

There is more time, by detouring to the west, to Cradle Mountain. During the summer, the mountain routes are clear and the mountain air is so fresh that hiking is memorable. Otherwise, drive to Hobart by the Midlands, where you can visit Ross and Richmond to see historic stone bridges, bakeries, and a colonial atmosphere.

Tasmania Summer Road Trip tips.

1. Drive slowly: The roads are often  narrow and winding.
2. See animals: Wombats possums and wallabies are frequent, particularly in the morning and evening.
3. Fuel early: Petrol stations in the countryside may be few and far between.
4. Pack smart: The weather in Tasmania may change rapidly, even in summer. Rain gear and layers are very necessary.
5. Book early: This is because accommodation will book up quickly during summer months, especially during Christmas and school holidays.

Tasmania is a great place to take a road trip in summer. It is the season when the beaches shine, the mountains are open, and the small towns are full of festivals and fresh food. Whether it is Hobart to Cradle Mountain or any other part of the island, the small size and the amazing diversity are bound to make any trip memorable.

In case you are thinking about visiting, don’t just rely on maps to find all the breathtaking places in Tasmania. Instead, use a local travel app and find hidden gems, updated information, and live to experience the real environment of the country. It is the only sure way of making sure that your adventure will not follow the standard tourist path and that it will be a trip to remember.

Pack your bags, plan your route, and be ready to experience the magic of summer in Tasmania – one road trip at a time.